Month: August 2014

Laughter Gone

by Dale, posted in Death, Hope, Suicide

He made thousands and thousands of people laugh.  His quick wit, ability to play many roles, and stand-up comedy endeared him to the world of entertainment.  Sadly, his humor was often crass and ungodly. Today, the laughter is gone.

Robin Williams broke on the entertainment scene as an alien, Mork, in the 1978 TV series, Mork & Mindy with what became a household phrase of “Nanu-nanu.”  I remember my daughters loving his role as the comedic genie in the famous Disney film, Alladin.  He even appeared in the happy tune by Bobby McFarrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”  As of yesterday, Williams will no longer be making people laugh; he has passed away.  The tragedy of this death is that it is being considered an apparent suicide.  Fox411 reported, “A representative for Williams said in a statement the actor had been battling ‘severe depression of late’.”

No matter what you thought of Robin Williams, death by suicide is oh so sad.  Tragic.  Bewildering.  Selfish. Sinful.  Wrong.

There are many things that I would love to say from a burdened heart, but suffice it to say that we as believers need to realize afresh and anew, we are living in a world of hopeless people!!  For a successful man to take his life when he had everything earthly he would need says that he lacked hope.

Hope is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ! Read the following with an attentive heart:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.— Jeremiah 29:11

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead—1 Peter 1:3

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.—Romans 5:1-11

Hope (assurance, confidence) that is eternal, persevering, faithful, not disappointing, productive, and full of grace is found only in a personal relationship with the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He is the foundation, giver and sustainer of hope.  He is hope. A man without Jesus Christ is hopeless . . . forever.

For those of us secure in Christ because of the aforementioned truths of Scripture, we must share the good news of hope to a hopeless world!  We have the Truth that liberates (John 8:32).  Christ in us is the hope of glory, and He resides in us giving us hope for all of our earthly days (Colossians 1:27).

For those of you who are searching for hope in a world of empty happiness, I ask that you read the Scripture passages given in this post and turn to Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.  Today you can repent which means to turn away from all you have been trusting in to get you to Heaven, and receive Jesus Christ as Your Savior today (Romans 3:23; 6:23; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 10:9-13).  For the believer, no matter what his circumstances may be, each day is getting better because he is closer to his eternal home, Heaven.  Hope gets brighter each day!

Laughter produced by Robin Williams is gone.  Hope is not.

 

For further help in finding and understanding this everlasting hope, watch this 11 minute film: The Gospel

The More I Do It, The More Exciting It Gets!

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Discipleship, Evangelism

“The more I do it, the more exciting it gets, and the more I want to do it!”  These are the words of an older gentlemen who has captured the vision and passion of Christ for lost souls.  He is one of many in our church who because of Christ’s last words (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15) are joining the ranks of an empowered community of believers who are commissioned for the gospel!  As a matter of fact, the man mentioned above and a deacon went visiting after church last night and saw a dear lady trust Christ as her Savior!

This has been an awesome summer of conflict, conviction, challenge and change in my life!  We have seen some interesting things take place at our church of which surprised many, but God has used it to strengthen His church and prepare us for His ministry, the Great Commission.  During my first trip to the Spiritual Leadership Conference in Lancaster, CA, back in June, the Lord convicted and challenged me about having a greater heart for the His harvest (Matthew 9:36-37; John 4:35).  Upon returning, the Lord led me to have all of our adult Sunday School classes and Teen Class study Dr. Paul Chappell’s book, Out of Commission. We are currently in the middle chapters of this book, and it is being used of the Holy Spirit to convict, challenge and change.  This is a final piece of the puzzle after studying Trellis and the Vine and The Exchange.  We even have an old “out of commission” truck in our parking lot to remind our folks of how we need to change to being Great Commission people.  This past Thursday through Saturday, businessmen from our church gathered at Elijah’s Harbor, Greeneville, TN, with other businessmen to learn how to use their business opportunities to be more an evangelistic center on mission for Christ. How marvelous it is to see the ministry of BCBC change from an inward focus to outward and upward focus of discipleship going-and-teaching (Matthew 28:18-20).  We have had our adversaries, but the grace of God is always greater!

Just as our brother said, “The more I do it, the more exciting it gets, and the more I want to do it!”  That excitement is growing because our mission is one of light and life!  The most exciting event in life is watching a soul be delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son, through faith in the cross work and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13).  Yes, it’s getting more and more exciting!!

A Break

by Dale, posted in Uncategorized

The definition of the word “break” in its verb and noun forms are as follows:

Verb

  1. Separate or cause to separate into pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain.
  2. Interrupt (a continuity, sequence, or course)

Noun

  1. An interruption of continuity or uniformity
  2. A pause in work or during an activity or event

It is Noun #2 I am taking this week in regards to my blog.  I love writing about what is dear to me, but I need a Noun #2 this week.  Check back next Monday.  Until then, walk in the Word, share the gospel, and keep your eye on the sky!

10 Things I’d Do Differently if I Weren’t a Pastor Today

by Dale, posted in Christian Living, Church, Pastoring

Today’s blog post is one I wish I could put my name on.  It’s as though he has read my mind, and the mind of countless other pastors, especially the first three paragraphs.  Please do not pass by on this read today!  By the way, there is no agenda behind sharing this post other than what my blog is all about, “From a pastor’s heart.”

I spent most of my adult life outside vocational ministry. I’m amazed at the opportunities God has given me in ministry, but in many ways I am still a newcomer. I have just over a dozen years in this career. It’s challenging in some ways, because I see things differently from some who have only done ministry, but it also gives me a unique perspective from some pastors. I sat “in the pew” far longer than I’ve stood “behind the pulpit”.

One thing my experience has done for me, especially since I’ve become a pastor, is to help me realize how much I didn’t understand about being a pastor. Like the feeling that work is never done. Like feeling you are never really “off”. Like knowing people are going to be upset with every decision you make — and balancing whether to move forward or give into their frustration. Like the pressure of “Sunday’s coming”. (Pastors — know that one?) Like carrying the weight of everyone, but sometimes feeling you’ve got no where to share your own struggles. Stuff like that. The “fun” stuff I didn’t know prior to being in ministry. Plus, in the business world, we handled problems so differently from how they are typically handled in ministry. A lot faster sometimes.

I also spend a lot of time investing in other pastors. It fuels me personally. I’ve learned some of their challenges. Some of their concerns. Some of their wishes.

Along the way, I’ve learned some great lessons of what it takes to build a healthy church — many I didn’t previously understand — even though I was very active in the church. Things look different looking at the church from this perspective.

So, if I were ever on the other side again — and I was back “in the pew” — I’d change a few things about myself.

Here are 10 things I’d do differently if I weren’t a pastor today:

I’d make church attendance a priority. I’d build my week around the services of the church, knowing how vital every person is to the body. I’d understand what an encouragement it is to the pastor when people give the same priority to church that they give to other places in their life.

I’d love my pastor. I mean really love my pastor. Knowing how many expectations are placed on the pastor, I’d be among the group that’s always ready to help, but, recognizing he’s only one imperfect person, not one to get my feelings hurt if the pastor didn’t do everything I hoped he would.

I’d be a generous giver. Understanding that there are really a small number who financially support the work of the church, I’d be a Kingdom investor.

I’d be an ambassador for the church. I’d use my influence in the community and where I worked to bring people to church and Christ. I’d look for people I didn’t know on Sunday mornings and try to help them acclimate to the church.

If I had a problem with the pastor, I’d talk to the pastor. Not his wife. (That’s always a bad move.) Not other church members. Certainly not the community.

I’d try to get less upset about things that impact only me — that are mostly matters of personal preference.

I would pray bold prayers for the church. Daily.

I would support the pastor and his family. I would understand he couldn’t be everywhere, and never make him feel guilty for not being where I hoped he would be.

I would smile when he preaches. I’d give visual witness that I was paying attention. I might even say “Amen” when appropriate. Oh yea..definite amens.

I would serve where needed. In fact, I’d volunteer without being asked.

(Written by Ron Edmondson)